Moving to Ottawa, Ontario? Top Reasons to Make Canada’s Capital Your New Home -

If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa, the capital of Canada might surprise you, in the best way. We have had the chance to visit, and we were struck by how beautiful, welcoming, and balanced this city feels.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why Ottawa could be a great place to settle. We’ll talk about everything from location and population to job opportunities, housing, education, weather, attractions, and more.

Photo of Ottawa showing the title of the blog post

1. Where Is Ottawa, and What’s the Population Like?

If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa, it’s helpful to understand where the city is located and who lives there.

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and the fourth-largest urban area in the country, with over 1.4 million people in the region. About 66% live in the city of Ottawa itself, while the rest are in nearby areas like Gatineau, just across the river in Quebec.

One thing that makes Ottawa unique is its bilingual culture, both English and French are widely spoken here, and that shows up in everything from street signs to everyday conversations.

Located in eastern Ontario, Ottawa sits along the Ottawa River, offering beautiful scenery, plenty of parks, and outdoor activities you can enjoy all year long.

Map showing where Ottawa is located — Google Maps: Ottawa, Ontario

2. What’s the Education System Like When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa with children or planning to study, you’ll find a wide range of education options in both English and French.

Ottawa has four main school boards:

English Public: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
English Catholic: Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
French Public: Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
French Catholic: Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)

Each board has its own admission guidelines, so it’s a good idea to check their websites before applying.

For post-secondary education, Ottawa is also home to respected institutions like the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College, offering a variety of academic and vocational programs for local and international students.

3. What Are the Must-See Places When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa, you’ll quickly discover the city is full of beautiful landmarks, history, and culture, there’s truly something for everyone.

At the heart of the city is Parliament Hill, where you can explore historic government buildings and watch the changing of the guard ceremony in the summer.

Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery of Canada, home to stunning Canadian and Indigenous art collections. And for those interested in history, the Canadian Museum of History (just across the river in Gatineau) offers a fascinating look at Canada’s past.

Don’t miss a walk along the Rideau Canal, especially in winter when it becomes the world’s largest skating rink, or a visit to the lively ByWard Market for local food and shops. For nature lovers, Gatineau Park is just a short drive away and perfect for hiking, cycling, or picnics.

Photo of Parliament Hill, Ottawa. — View of Parliament Hill in Ottawa

4. How Does the Transit System Work When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa, you’ll be glad to know the city has a reliable and easy-to-use public transportation system.

Transit services are managed by OC Transpo in Ottawa and STO (Société de Transport de l’Outaouais) in nearby Gatineau. Together, they cover the entire National Capital Region, offering buses and light rail options that make getting around simple.

OC Transpo runs an extensive bus network that connects neighbourhoods across the city, helping residents commute to work, school, or just explore. The O-Train Confederation Line, a light rail service, adds another layer of convenience with smooth and fast travel across major points in the city.

For more tips on how public transportation works in Ottawa and other Canadian cities, check out my post Understanding Public Transportation in Canada for Newcomers.

Transit services are managed by OC Transpo in Ottawa and STO.

5. What’s the Weather Like When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa, it’s good to know what kind of weather to expect throughout the year.

Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Winters can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, but the city becomes a true winter wonderland. One of the highlights is ice skating on the Rideau Canal, known as the world’s largest natural ice rink.

Summers, on the other hand, are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the many festivals, patios, and outdoor activities Ottawa has to offer.

If you enjoy a bit of everything, snowy winters, colourful fall leaves, blooming springs, and sunny summers, Ottawa’s seasonal variety might be just right for you.

Photo showing Rideau Canal in Winter — Rideau Canal in winter, Ottawa.

6. What Job Opportunities Can You Expect When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa and wondering about work, you’ll be happy to know the city offers a strong and diverse job market.

While Ottawa has opportunities across many sectors, four industries really stand out: public administration, high-tech, healthcare, and education. These fields support thousands of jobs and continue to grow.

Because it’s Canada’s capital, Ottawa has a large government sector, which provides a wide range of careers, from administration to policy and communications. The city is also home to many tech companies working in software, telecommunications, and aerospace.

If you’re getting ready to start your job search, check out my guide How to Get a Job in Canada as a Newcomer: 18 Essential Tips for tips and helpful resources.

Photo showing the word Ottawa — Ottawa sign located near the ByWard Market area

7. Where Will You Live When Moving to Ottawa?

If you’re moving to Ottawa, you’ll be happy to find housing options that fit different tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re after a downtown apartment, a family home in the suburbs, or a cozy spot by the river, Ottawa offers it all. Compared to other big Canadian cities, it’s also relatively affordable, which makes it ideal for newcomers.

Current estimates show a 1-bedroom apartment rents for CAD 1,700–2,000, while a 3-bedroom place runs CAD 2,500–3,100, depending on how close you are to downtown. You can learn more details at numbeo.com

If you’re unsure where to start, check out How to Rent Your First Home as a Newcomer in Canada, it offers great tips on navigating the rental market.

8. Conclusion

I hope this post has sparked some curiosity about the capital city of Canada. If you haven’t decided on your destination yet, moving to Ottawa might be worth considering—especially if you’re looking for a city that offers opportunity, culture, green space, and a high quality of life.

Whether you’re drawn to its bilingual charm, career options, or peaceful neighbourhoods, Ottawa is a place that many newcomers are proud to call home.

Still exploring your options? Don’t miss these helpful reads:

Wherever you decide to settle, I hope it feels like home.